There are currently six program in the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs that do not have a mojor or a minor program. These programs are growing in interest among the student body as they find more ways to satisfy the College's 2-year language requirement in languages other than Spanish and French.
The Arabic studies program bridges worlds; there is an Arabic proverb that means "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." When professor George Fam implemented an Arabic studies program at the College of Charleston in 1980, he didn't foresee the crisis of the Gulf War or the events that led to September 11th. He simply envisioned a need to take the first step in creating a comprehensive educational program that could serve as a "roadmap" to understanding Middle Eastern cultures.
Visit the Arabic Studies PageThe Chinese program introduces the fundamental structures of Chinese, with emphasis on acquisition of basic language skills: reading and listening comprehension, oral and written expression.
Visit the Chinese PageLearning Hebrew, as opposed to the more common languages, sets you apart from the crowd when you enter the job market. You will also learn about the history and culture of Hebrew-speaking people, and have the chance to study abroad in Israel or Jordan. Immerse yourself in the culture by immersing yourself in the language.
Visit the Classics Minor PageThe College of Charleston offers one of the most comprehensive Japanese programs in South Carolina. In addition to satisfying the two-year language requirement, it offers third and fourth year courses for students who wish to study the language further. Along with the language courses, literature courses in English translation are offered for students who do not speak Japanese but are Interested in Japanese culture. The College has an exchange program with Kansai Gaidai University of Foreign Studies in Osaka, Japan, through which students can study for a semester or a year.
Visit the Japanese PageThe Portuguese Program at the College of Charleston offers students the opportunity to learn a foreign language and satisfy the 4-semester language requirement at the College. The program offers courses at the basic instruction level, literature in translation, Brazilian film studies, culture and civilization. In addition, the Portuguese Program, in conjunction with the Latin America and Caribbean Studies Program, offers summer classes in Brazil.
Visit the Portuguese PageRussian is spoken by over 280 million people, the 3rd most-spoken language in the world. Once-closed borders are now open, allowing for trade, tourism, and personal experience with the people of Russia and the former Soviet republics. Russian novels and films are some of the best literary works on the planet. You can study Russian to meet the College's four-semester language requirement, and do it very well in small classes.
Visit the Russian Page